Ohio State vs. Arkansas State: Prediction and preview
Ohio State returns to action in Week 2 with a nonconference matchup against Arkansas State on the docket. The Buckeyes will face the Red Wolves from Columbus this Saturday with a 12 p.m. Eastern time kickoff on BTN.
Ohio State vs. Arkansas State preview
Ohio State did not necessarily look electric as expected in Week 1, but the Buckeyes still rose to the task with a 21-10 win over Notre Dame. And despite some sluggish drives, it was still a very promising result for the Buckeyes.
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States: MD, MA, OH, NY, AZ, MI, KS, TN, PA, NJ, VA, CO, IL, MI, WV, IA, WY, IN
Missing star receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and fellow receiver Julian Fleming, Ohio State leaned on its rushing game in the second half. TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams alternated in the backfield with the Buckeyes rushing for 172 yards and nearly 5 YPC.
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On the other side of the ball, Ohio State’s defense is impressive and held the Fighting Irish to 10 points and a shutout in the second half. Notre Dame finished the game with 253 total yards of offense.
One cause for concern that still remains for the Buckeyes is the status of Smith-Njigba. His star presence is likely not a big factor in the Week 2 game against Arkansas State, but he will absolutely be needed when the calendar turns to conference games.
On the other side of the matchup, Arkansas State is trying to bounce back from a 2-10 season under head coach Butch Jones. In Week 1, the Red Wolves blew out Grambling 58-3.
The offense for Arkansas State generated 500 yards of total offense in the opener with a big key to that unit being the ground game. Unfortunately, that could pose a problem for a team looking to hang with the Buckeyes.
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STATES: OH, MD, AZ, CO, IL, IN, KS, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA, IA
Facing Notre Dame, Ohio State held the Irish to just 76 yards on the ground. With a much-improved and tougher defense in Columbus, the Buckeyes stand a good shot of stifling the Red Wolves throughout the Week 2 matchup.
Ohio State vs. Arkansas State prediction
Even without Smith-Njigba, Ohio State should matchup well across the board with Arkansas State. It should also present a nice opportunity for the Buckeye offense to finally get on track with an explosive outing.
Expect CJ Stroud to put up his first outing with video game numbers of the season in Week 2 with Emeka Egbuka, Henderson and Williams feasting offensively. The Buckeye defense also has a great shot at producing multiple takeaways.
Prediction: Ohio State 56, Arkansas State 10
